76 THE KING'S MIRROR 



This request, however, which surely may be granted 

 to any man, we should like to make: we ask all good 

 men who hear this book to give it careful thought and 

 study; and if there should be aught which seems neces- 

 sary to the work but has not been included, whether 

 concerning morals and conduct or discreet and proper 

 forms of speech, let them insert it in proper form and 

 connection. And if they find any matters which seem to 

 impair the work or to have been discussed at too great 

 length, let them discreetly remove all such and thus, 

 amending our ignorance in kindness, help our work to 

 be appreciated in proper spirit. For it was not pride that 

 impelled us to labor but good- will toward all who seemed 

 to need and desire knowledge of this sort. 



When I went to my father with these inquiries that I 

 have now mentioned, I learned in the very first words 

 //*' ^thatfr addressed to him, how every one ought to salute 

 C or address one's father /] 



II 



"THE FEAR OF THE LORD is THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM" 



Son. Good day,* sire ! I have come to see you as it be- 

 hooves a humble and obedient son to approach a loving 

 and renowned father; and I pray you to listen with pa- 

 tience to the questions that I have in mind to ask and 

 kindly to vouchsafe an answer to each one. 



Father. Inasmuch as you are my only son, I am pleased 

 to have you come often to see me, for there are many 

 subjects which we ought to discuss. I shall be glad to 



* Good day (God dag) is still the common form of greeting among Norwegians 

 and other Scandinavians. 



